ON the first day of school last Wednesday, the gr. 1 learners of Morupagale Primary School, in Ga-Mabitsela Moletjie, made their way to their new classes, their faces showing their trepidation.
Selae Tlabela, one of the gr. 1s, said she was not afraid at all and looked forward to meeting her new teachers and friends. “I want to learn to read and write,” she said.
Gr. 1 teacher, Pheladi Duba, said she loved meeting and working with new gr. 1s every year. “When I look at these learners, I see future doctors, teachers and police officials. I hope the parents will work with us to educate these learners,” she said.
Duba said one of the most important lessons she had to teach was for learners to treat each other with respect.
She said the toughest challenge she faced, was parents who were not involved in their children’s education. She said some parents did not even bother to attend parent-teacher meetings when their children struggled in school.
Puleng Motaung is a new gr. 1 parent. She said she was ready to work with the teachers. She said educating a child was a joint effort between parents and the schools.
Morupagale Primary School’s principal, Mmamodi Mphahlele, said parents should teach their children to love books and to forget about television.
“Support from parents could make a huge difference in the education of these bright eyed gr. 1 learners,” she said.
